Long Beach State advanced to the Big West Championship semifinals with a commanding 3–0 sweep over UC Irvine. The team showcased a balanced offense, winning the sets 25–18, 25–20, and 26–24. Coach Natalie Reagan highlighted the tremendous support from over 1,000 fans and lauded her team’s composure despite UC Irvine’s fierce competition. Key players included Elise Agi, who led with 12 kills, and setter Madi Maxwell, who delivered 40 assists in the match.
By the NumbersLong Beach State achieved a 64.1% side-out rate during the match.Elise Agi led with 12 kills, while Logan King contributed 11 kills and 16 digs. State of PlayLong Beach State’s defense out-dug UC Irvine 56–45.The team is now preparing to face Cal Poly in the semifinals on November 28. What’s Next
The Beach will need to maintain their momentum against Cal Poly, which poses a new challenge in the semifinals. Training sessions will focus on building on their current confidence and addressing any weaknesses observed in the previous match.
Bottom Line
Long Beach State’s strong performance cements their status as a formidable contender in the Big West Championship, with the team’s cohesiveness and home support being key factors in their success. Continuing this momentum is crucial as they advance to face tougher competition.